12/26, 28, 29, & 30/07: 10, 5, 4, & 13 Mile Runs: Demopolis & Birmingham, AL

I keep finding it hard to blog after each run. What a lazy, out of control bum! I have kept up with the Daily Source Code, Phedippidations, and the Accident Hash podcasts. I added NPR's This American Life to my subscription list. I have always been a fan of the show, but seldom hear it when aired. Since this is my last run for 2007, I totaled up my mileage for the year: 1313 miles run in 2007. Wow! A good year for running. A hard year for working. A good year for the family. I guess I can' complain much.

I listened to Tech Nation's Dr. Moira Gunn talk with Bob Drogin about "Curveball" which is the title of a book Bob wrote as well as the code-name for the sole source for the chemical trucks Colin Powell described at the UN in 2003. Of course, it was a sham put forward by Curveball. He had no idea of the impact of his statements and wasn't trying to commit a country to war. The interview and the story are amazing. It shows how a cast of human characters can spin an unbelievable tale with horrendous outcomes without really planning to do so.

Data

12/26/2007: Demopolis, AL

Distance:	10 Miles
Time:	1:30:53
Heart Rate:	149
Pace:	9:05
Weather:	Mostly cloudy Temperature-51° Humidity-66%
Turned around at the 5 mile mark on this 17 mile route

12/28/2007: Neighborhood

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	48:46
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:45
Weather:	Raining (I got soaked) Temperature-55° Humidity-90%

12/29/2007: Neighborhood

Distance:	4 Miles
Time:	38:27
Heart Rate:	144
Pace:	9:36
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-46° Humidity-86%

12/30/2007: Jemison-Montclair Loop: Birmingham, AL

Distance:	13 Miles
Time:	1:59:38
Heart Rate:	151
Pace:	9:12
Weather:	Mostly cloudy Temperature-46° Humidity-96%
Route (I didn't loop parking lot at the end)

12/25/07: 5 Mile Run: Demopolis, AL

I finished listening to Phedippidations. I either ran stronger than I expected to or shorter than I thought. Judging by the the heart rate, I suspect it was the former. Cool. It has been hard to eat appropriately in the midst of the holidays when I am really the only person in the family that tries to eat exactly as "they" recommend. You know: 3 vegetables, 2 fruits, 3 grains, etc. Overall, I think I did well.

Data

Distance:	5.12 Miles
Time:	44:38
Heart Rate:	154
Pace:	8:43
Weather:	Mostly Cloudy Temperature-51° Humidity-46%
Route

12/23/07: 17 Mile Run: Demopolis, AL

A cold run during which I listened to 3 new CDs I recently purchased. I especially liked the Sum 41 CD. I loved about 1/2 of Fergie's songs. The slower, more "chickish" ones were not on my preferred list. But, she is talented and I did her sound in general. I finished up the latest Daily Source Code and Accident Hash, and started the latest Phedippidations.

Data

Distance:	17 Miles
Time:	2:36:30
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:12
Weather:	Mostly Cloudy Temperature-35° Humidity-69%
Route

12/18-22/07: 7, 10, 8, and 3 Mile Runs

Another week of being too busy to blog regularly. I have kept up with the Daily Source Code, Phedippidations, and the Accident Hash podcasts. I was looking for references to an organizational style I remembered serving within the in US Air Force. Amazingly, I found a rich one. It just amazes me to see how much rich information is made instantly available thanks to the internet. I also came across a site dedicated to the planes I worked on, F-111.net. I have been using some of the concepts from the organization article to shape some thoughts related to my current work which has nothing to do with planes or the military. You just never know where something may end up being applied in life.

Data

12/18/2007

Distance:	7 Miles
Time:	1:02:59
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	8:59
Weather:	Clear Temperature-30° Humidity-78%

12/19/2007

Distance:	10 Miles
Time:	1:30:28
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:02
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-48° Humidity-68%

12/21/2007

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:15:41
Heart Rate:	144
Pace:	9:27
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-52° Humidity-90%

12/22/2007

Distance:	3 Miles (Demopolis, AL)
Time:	28:24
Heart Rate:	142
Pace:	9:28
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-53° Humidity-86%

Cooper River Bridge Run History

I got my annual notice to sign up for the Copper River Bridge Run. As I was looking around on the site, I noticed that they have many years of results. So, I decided to chart 'em for my own reference point. I did break the listed PR recently.

Year	Clock Time	Chip Time	Comment
1995	1:00:31	N/A
1996	53:40	N/A
1997	53:46	49:49
1998	54:08	51:32
1999	48:22	48:22	PR
2000	58:27	55:05
2001			Didn't run :(
2002	51:43	51:03
2003	55:49	54:49
2004	55:23
2005	56:09
2006	54:04	53:37
2007	51:10	49:39
2008		48:39

12/16/07: 15 Mile Run: Brownell-Montclair-Shades Creek

I started the run listening to The Daily Source Code and Phedippidations. I finished the run listening to the running mix on shuffle for the rest of the run. It was cold and windy. No problem on the run. Adam has apparently got himself on some list that will cause him to be heavily scrutinized every time he visits the US. And, during the show says we should declare independence from the US government and air our influence by dramatically reducing our consuming behavior. I wonder, could it be this kind of banter is the source of his entry on "the list". Hum....

Data

Distance:	15.21 Miles (as measured with GPS earlier this year)
Time:	2:21:18
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:17
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-35° Humidity-70%
Route:	Al's 15 Miler

12/15/07: 3.1 Mile run: 13th Annual Meadow Brook Runs 5K

Another really strong run! I picked up a conversation with Dan (not "Dave" as I thought last Sunday). Well, it is probably safer to say he picked up the conversation. I was in the middle of a functional test. Some guys from a local function fitness business, PhysioFitness, were there and offering test of functional fitness. While I was a doing a push-up, I heard Dan say something about "Bob". He had my name right. We chatted for quite a while and I learned that not only did I have his name wrong, he knew I wrote it wrong last week. He was very nice about it though. It is interesting that his experience with cholesterol is much like mine. He had it checked; it was high; he changed his diet and added some exercise and got it to a normal reading. Good for him and may we both stay successful at keeping our levels normal.

I ran really well. Although, I was definitely pushing hard in the last 1/2 mile. It was very difficult to not slow down, but I don't think I did. I ran the first mile at about 7:20 and averaged 7:23 for the run, so I'm pleased. What is most satisfying is that every race I do seems to be faster than the last one of the same length. That is after the first of the particular length. The first ones are alarming faster than those ran before the change in diet. Yeppee!

My chat with Dan also reminded me that I had forgot to mention my wonderful idea. I am a gadget person. I am typically and early adopter of new stuff. I pay too much and use them forever. Anyway, I spotted a visor that one can wear to get the experience of a wide screen TV. While running the 7 miler yesterday, I though what if you could impost an image from the visor into your view while running in a manner that doesn't obstruct you need to see that's around you. The visor would post a running buddy or coach along side you. The coach would keep you on pace automatically. If slow, the running buddy gets in front. If you go too fast, he falls behind. Add sound and personality, and this runny buddy could encourage and dissuade you. Now, add some cleaver analysis based on past performance data and performance goals, and the virtual buddy and administer your training like an expert. He would know when you need to start and finish strength training during your running as you prepare for your next marathon. I need to be the CEO of the company that brings this idea to market.

They were going to give away lots of stuff after the race. I waited around a bit, but it became clear the process was going to take a very long time, so I headed home. I also managed to let a few people who finished after me get cards ahead of me. Translation the finish position and mine is wrong.

Data

Distance:	3.1 Miles
Time:	22:54
Heart Rate:	165
Pace:	7:23
Weather:	Mostly Cloudy Temperature-57° Humidity-63%
Route

12/11,12, &14/07: 5, 10, & 7 Mile Runs: Neighborhood

Another week of being too busy to blog regularly. I have kept up with the Daily Source Code. Adam, on the Daily Source Code still has a theme about the industrial-military complex going on.Someone called in and called him to the carpet for being a big consumer (Adam is a big consumer). Adam noted that this compliant was non-productive and that it is just a conversation. Seems to me the point might be that if it is just conversation, what's the point. We are raping this planet, we should feel guilty, but most importantly, we should do something. Be a do'er Adam. Give up the travel, stuff, and travel. Be a steward! OK, I'm partially kidding. Like Adam, I believe we should do something, but somehow find a way to justify all the stuff I have to have.

I bought a home cholesterol check kit and my level is just a hair over 200, yeppee. That would be down about 35 points from the last check of 241 at the clinic. I am hoping this is accurate for obvious reasons. I will use this same kit before my next clinic visit to get a comparison, but I am pleased that I have something I can use to get more frequent and convenient measures.

Data

12/011/2007

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	47:39
Heart Rate:	143
Pace:	9:31
Weather:	Clear Temperature-60° Humidity-86%

12/12/2007

Distance:	10 Miles
Time:	1:31:15
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	9:07
Weather:	Clear Temperature-71° Humidity-76%

12/14/2007

Distance:	7 Miles
Time:	1:04:48
Heart Rate:	Not recorded, used GPS
Pace:	9:15
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-48° Humidity-87%

12/09/07: 13 Mile Run: Jemison-Montclair Loop, Birmingham, AL

No Judy. But, I did run the first 3 miles with Prince and a fellow I just met, Dave I think the name was. I am horrible with remembering names and I had my headphones on when he first walked up. He was a very nice guy that started running 6 months ago and is aiming for the Mercedes Marathon too. I was too talkative during the run and likely talked their ears off. But, it was fun to run with someone.

I ran the final 10 alone. I had the iPod on shuffle through the running music favorites. It was a pleasant and uneventful run. I did meet 2 talkative and friendly women at the coffee shop at Cahaba Rd and Fairway Dr. They were out on a 5 miler. We chatted briefly by the water jug that the coffee shop puts out there. The weather was damp, but quite warm which seems amazing for December. It was good for running though. A lot of folks mentioned Phedippidations. Dave, if I got his name right, even noticed that I put a picture on Phedippidations Frapper map and indicated that he had heard Steve mention me in a show he listened to recently. What a small world, eh?

Data

Distance:	13 Miles
Time:	2:03:20
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:29
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-64° Humidity-97%
Route	Brownell-Montclair Loop I didn't circle the parking lot

12/05-08/07: 8, 6, & 5 Mile Runs: Neighborhood

Another week of being too busy to blog regularly. I have eaten pretty healthily this week and got all of my planned miles. I did have to add 2 miles to Saturday's run due to the short run in Erie, PA. I have kept up with the Daily Source Code and Phedippidations. Adam, on the Daily Source Code has a theme about the industrial-military complex going on. The basic flow seems to be that we should all stop consuming so much and follow the money to make sure that we are not directly supporting those that feed the machine. Good luck on that adventure. I do believe it is noble and right, but suspect untangling the web we have weaved to form the machine will take tons and tons of effort. But, yes we should try.

As for Pheppidations, this week's episode about Billy Mills is awesome. I was listening when I ran this morning and I just balled started crying as the story described Billy approaching the finish line for his gold medal run in the 1964 10K Olympic run. Billy sure sounds like a wonderful person and role model. Great story and very well produced by Steve, host of Phedippidations.

Data

12/05/2007

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:13:00
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:07
Weather:	Clear Temperature-59° Humidity-42%

12/07/2007

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	56:05
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:20
Weather:	Clear Temperature-44° Humidity-65%

12/08/2007

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	46:42
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:20
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-60° Humidity-93%

12/04/07: 3 Mile Run: Treadmill in Erie, PA

The weather outside was frightful (very cold and icy). So, I went to the hotel's exercise room. And, man I just can't run long on a treadmill. I was targeting 5, but only managed 3. I will do an additional 2 miles sometime during the week to make up for the shortage. I listened to the Daily Source Code.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:07
Weather:	Indoors

12/02/07: 17 Mile Run: Demopolis, AL

I was unnecessarily worried about my ability to run 17 miles before this run. No problem. It was long, but I was never in danger of running out of steam. The weather was beautiful especially for December. I listened to the iPod shuffle through 2 1/2 hours of music. Joe Ely showed up a remarkable number of times. I made nearly as far as Jim Bird's hay art. I could see the Snoopy in the picture at the website as I turned around. And, I saw a beaver or an otter cross the road. Remarkably, I passed 2 other runners outside of town too.

Data

Distance:	17 Miles
Time:	2:37:00
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:14
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-60° Humidity-78%
Route

12/01/07: 3.1 Mile Run: Demopolis, AL (COTR Jingle Bell Run)

I ran the 15th Christmas on the River (COTR) Jingle Bell Run in Demopolis, AL. I run this every year from my wife's hometown. I ran particularly strong this year. This is not my PR for the 5K distance, but it is one of my more respectable times. I ran consistently, was never passed, and passed people all through the race. Yes, it felt good. I am hoping it doesn't distract from tomorrow's 17 miler which is the longest distance I have run since last year's Mercedes Marathon. This is the race I am training for now, of course.

I am also enjoying many of the other COTR festivities while we are here. We watched the daytime parades today and will be attending the evening time parade on the water followed by fireworks. It is a good time for the family.

Data

	Distance:	3.1 Miles
	Time:	23:15
	Heart Rate:	165
	Pace:	7:30
	Weather:	Clear Temperature-54° Humidity-29%

11/27-30/07: 5, 8, 6 Mile Runs: Neighborhood

Another week of being too busy to blog regularly. Stuff happens. I did get my runs. Two of them were in the evening because I have been having trouble getting myself out of bed. My memory is telling me now that I did cheat on the diet significantly this week. I have been good in general, so there is a good chance I can, in fact, get into the healthy range by eating right. I sure hope so. I am going to have to keep up the discipline and the will power.

Data

11/27/2007

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	46:31
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:18
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-46° Humidity-79%

11/29/2007

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:14:03
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:15
Weather:	Clear Temperature-52° Humidity-59%

11/30/2007

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	54:30
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	9:05
Weather:	Clear Temperature-61° Humidity-19%

Cholesterol is High Again :(

I just got new cholesterol results (see old results). Here's the results:

Metric	Original Result	Healthy Goal	New Results
LDL	110	Less than 130	158 - Borderline High
HDL	47	More than 40	65
Total Cholesterol	171	Less than 200	241 - High
Triglycerides	70	Less than 150	89

Damn! I thought I was doing better and watching my diet. Either that is not true or I will need meds. Back to the ultra strict for now.

11/25/07: 15 Mile Run: Brownell-Montclair-Shades Creek

Judy texted me last night that she would not be running. I started the run listening to The Daily Source Code and put the running mix on shuffle for the rest of the run. I bumped into Prince, Al, and a few other runners near the Shell station in Crestline at my 5 mile point. I had no trouble with the run, but I was drained afterward. My son was hellbent on getting a Christmas tree today. So, we did get that accomplished. He is so into celebrating the holidays and participating in all of the festivities. Very cool.

Data

Distance:	15.21 Miles (as measured with GPS earlier this year)
Time:	2:20:39
Heart Rate:	149
Pace:	9:14
Weather:	Light rain (at the beginning) Temperature-48° Humidity-77%
Route:	Al's 15 Miler

11/24/07: 3 Mile Run & 500th Post: Neighborhood

I put on the Motorola Bluetooth headset and put the iPod on shuffle through my running favorites for the cold morning run. The run went well.

As I came here to make the entry, I noticed that his makes my 500th post to this blog. Wow. I wasn't sure what I would blog when I started. I put up a header on the blog that makes it sound as if I was going pontificate about the meaning of life and spend a great deal of time in introspection and reflection (all that "a life unquestioned..." stuff). I don't think that is what has actually happened. In fact, this is almost nothing more than a running log. It is a good goal and I am going to leave it, but I would say I have fallen short so far. But, I use this instead of paper and it does help me look back at things that matter to me. Like where did I run that 15 miler last year? I doubt that I have many readers. Given that I don't pontificate much, that is probably just as well. But, I definitely find value for me here. If I have any readers and they find value, that's very cool too.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	28:13
Heart Rate:	141
Pace:	9:24
Weather:	Clear Temperature-38° Humidity-62%

11/23/07: 8 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the latest Daily Source Code, Accident Hash, and Phedippidations during this morning run. Steve, Phedippidations host, is apparently leaving PodShow. Sounds like some sort of philosophical differences. I am still having trouble with my Podcast updates via my Podshow channel. So, it appears that whatever was changed didn't really fix my problem.

This week's long run on Sunday will be the longest run since the last Mercedes Marathon in February. I am a little intimidated since I ran a PR in the 10K and an 8 miler the next day. I fear that I may be pushing too hard, but I want to get my miles and I was hoping to run as strong as I did yesterday (I needed the rest day in front of yesterday's run).

Data

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:14:10
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:16
Weather:	Clear Temperature-36° Humidity-70%

11/22/07: Montclair Run 10K: Personal Record

I ran the 31st Annual Montclair Run here in Birmingham. Prince, Larry, and Judy came out too. It was cold and misty. Prince asked me if I was going to PR (personal record). I thought I might run well, but hadn't set my mind on a personal record. But, Prince's question was all the motivation I needed. I set the goal in my mind. Despite having run for 25 years now and being 50 years old, I did PR. Yeppee! I can't believe it and I am thrilled. I also decided to start a new convention on the blog here. Namely, to include a picture of the race bib for all races as part of the data table. This is partially to help me remember the bib number, but I thought it was kind of a neat add to the page too.

Data

	Distance:	6 Miles
	Time:	48:06
	Heart Rate:	168
	Pace:	7:45
	Weather:	Overcast Temperature-48° Humidity-87%
	Route	Montclair Turkey Trot (approximation)

11/20/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the latest Daily Source Code and started the latest Phedippidations during this morning run. I did have to go around my elbow to get to my @ss to get them into iTunes however. I subscribe via my Podshow channel. For some reason, my channel started messing up last week. I have to log in to Podshow and select to play my channel before the RSS file iTunes reads updates. And, further Pheppidations doesn't show up at all. So, I figured out work arounds to the problem for now. I left a comment on Adam Curry's log and he has responded indicating that while his channel is working, that the techs did find something and implementing the fix. I will test and let them know. I can't really complain. I love this channel thing at Podshow and it has worked flawlessly for a long time.

I altered this week's running schedule slightly to accommodate a 10K race on Thanksgiving, Thursday. This is the 31st Annual Montclair Run here in Birmingham. It should be fun.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	46:30
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:18
Weather:	Clear Temperature-55° Humidity-80%

11/18/2007: 13 Mile run: Jemison-Montclair Loop, Birmingham, AL

I met Judy at 7:30 and off we went. She turned around at Foxhall and ran back hoping to complete a 8 mile run. I say hoping as we were not definitively sure what the distance would turn out to be. At that point, I put on the headphones and the iPod and finished up all of my usual podcasts (Daily Source Code, Phedippidations, and Accident Hash) and finished listening to music. It was a pleasant morning and I enjoyed knocking off the miles. A lot of runners were out and I ran behind a small group doing a 20 miler in prep for their December marathon (I forget which one specifically).

Data

Distance:	13 Miles
Time:	2:01:13
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:19
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-61° Humidity-75%
Route	Brownell-Montclair Loop

11/10/07-11/19/07: Disney World Running

I have been on vacation with the family at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I almost totally disconnected including not blogging. The vacation was awesome. My five year old son totally loved and we enjoyed some wonderful experiences with him. For example, my wife and I were going to do parent swap (we each take turns riding a ride while the non-riding parent watches the child) for the Tower of Terror. I rode first. While my wife was riding, my son explained to me that he was tall enough to ride the Tower of Terror according to the height restrictions and that we should let him decide if he should ride it or not. We told him exactly what the ride was like (setting in an elevator that basically falls very fast). He said he wanted to ride. So, he did.

He rode Thunder and Splash Mountain rides too. These are thrilling for adults, so you can imagine what it must be like for a 5 year old's first experience. It was wonderful. It was awesome to get some much continuous time with my family and to totally ignore work. I was way overdue for a vacation. Back to work now and the stress level is beginning to rise as it should, but I do feel quite refreshed.

I did run my planned miles which is always interesting on Disney property. The continuous walking paths are not long enough to fit within a long run (more than a couple of miles). And, most roads are busy. The grass type is broad blades and very mushy. But, I was pleased with the general running conditions and I did get my miles, so I can not complain.

I was able to get to the Internet, so I kept up with the Daily Source Code and Phedippidations podcasts.

Data

11/10/2007: Neighborhood (Day of departure)

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:26
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:08
Weather:	Clear Temperature-46° Humidity-93%

11/12/2007: Disney World (Delayed Sunday run)

Distance:	11.09 Miles
Time:	1:42:23
Pace:	9:13
Weather:	Clear Temperature-62° Humidity-72%

11/14/2007: Disney World

Distance:	5.171 Miles
Time:	49:39
Pace:	9:36
Weather:	Clear Temperature-62° Humidity-86%

11/15/2007: Disney World

Distance:	8.09 Miles
Time:	1:13:57
Pace:	9:08
Weather:	Hazy Temperature-62° Humidity-84%

11/16/2007: Disney World

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	55:13
Pace:	9:12
Weather:	Clear Temperature-46° Humidity-54%

11/17/2007: Disney World

Distance:	4 Miles
Time:	37:23
Pace:	9:20
Weather:	Clear Temperature-50° Humidity-54%

11/09/07: 6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I put the iPod on shuffle (yes, it still works) and off I went on this cool, brisk morning. Near my turn around point, I saw a pin light in the woods. I thought nothing of it until I was about 2 feet from a person on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere! Yes, it spooked me. I was near a house. So, it was likely someone checking their mail or walking the dog, but it was disconcerting. It was a good run.

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	53:42
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	8:57
Weather:	Clear Temperature-36° Humidity-86%

11/07/07: 8 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I took off on this early morning run listening to The Daily Source Code and finished listening to Accident Hash. It was cold! I overestimated the temperature, but only suffered lightly. I should have had slightly heavier gloves.

Data

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:14:14
Heart Rate:	144
Pace:	9:16
Weather:	Clear Temperature-30° Humidity-85%

11/06/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I prepared to take off on this early morning run with the intent of using the iPod only to discover its battery was totally dead. I apparently played the last episode of The Daily Source Code 15 times. So, I loaded up some music on the iPhone and took it. All went well. I saw Larry and Prince, both are training for the Mercedes Marathon too, from a distance, but didn't get an opportunity to say "Hey!".

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	45:16
Heart Rate:	168
Pace:	9:03
Weather:	Mostly cloudy Temperature-52° Humidity-40%

11/04/07: 13 Mile Run: Jemison-Montclair Loop, Birmingham, AL

Judy made it out again. She ran about 7 miles since she turned around at Euclid and Hagood. I didn't take the iPod as its battery was dead. I didn't use the iPhone because I forgot to put the headphone adapter in the pouch. Damn technology bit me at every turn. Despite all that, I enjoyed the run and the weather was perfect. Judy landed a new job. So, new boyfriend, new job; she is doing well and I am so pleased for her.

My youngest son celebrated his birthday with his friends on Saturday at the McWane Center here in town. We also went to Disney on Ice for the Finding Nemo show. What a busy and fun day he had.

Data

Distance:	13 Miles
Time:	2:01:57
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:22
Weather:	Clear Temperature-44° Humidity-89%
Route	Brownell-Montclair Loop I didn't circle the parking lot

11/03/07: 6.2 Mile Run: Vulcan Run, Birmingham, AL

I arrived early at 6:45 am to get my packet for the 2007 Vulcan Run. Judy showed up at about 15 till 8:00; the race started at 8:00. Despite plans to run a 13 miler tomorrow, I nearly PR'd , personal record. I felt good the entire run and seemed to just steadily pick up the pace during the second half. I saw a fellow I sometimes see in our neighborhood during the 4th mile. He was running strong. I have blogged about him before. He always looks happy and is smiling every time I see him. He was looking very strong in the run. I lost Judy in the first few miles. But, she was only a couple of minutes behind me (something like 51:00).

Data

Distance:	6.2 Miles
Time:	49:08
Heart Rate:	168
Pace:	7:55
Weather:	Clear Temperature-46° Humidity-89%

11/02/07: 5 Mile Run: Palisades, NY

I'm still in in New York. I ran part of the route I ran for 8 Miles 2 days ago. I went out a little later. So, I got the benefit of the sunlight for the second half of the run. I listened to Phedippidations and enjoyed the early morning solitude in the dark woods.

Data

Distance:	5.135 Miles
Time:	49:45
Heart Rate:	Not measured
Pace:	9:41
Weather:	Clear Temperature-36° Humidity-76%
Route:	Route

11/01/07: 8 Mile Run: Palisades, NY

I'm on a business trip in New York. I have been here before and love running this predominantly cross-country like run through a state park and a nature trail from the facility wherein I am staying. I listened to The Daily Source Code and music during this early morning run through the woods. It was VERY dark. I ran off the trail once. I also made it through the woods into Piermont, a quaint little New England town. A few people were up and about, but most of the town was dark and silent.

Data

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:16:27
Pace:	9:33
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-52° Humidity-85%
Route:	Route

10/30/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to The Daily Source Code on this morning run. I bumped into Prince and Larry and finished the rest of the lake loop with them. They continued up the hill while I added the cul-de-sac that makes my loops around the lake come out to even mileage. They had run 7. Once I get home, it's pack the bags and head for New York.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	44:18
Pace:	8:51
Weather:	Clear Temperature-48° Humidity-58%

10/28/07: 9 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek

I met Judy at 7:30 am; yes, she's back. I used the new Nike Triax C8 heart rate monitor and I am extremely pleased. I especially like the fact that it can remember more than 1 run and that I have a custom display while running. I had been at Judy's house the evening before when she noted that if we could start at 7:30 instead of 6:30, she could probably make it. She did. She ran with the iPod Nano including the pedometer thingy. She liked it. Interestingly, I thought it measured the distance short. But, if not this was a great run! I wasn't wearing the GPS, so I don't have any disconfirming (is that a word?) evidence. Next week, 13 Miles.

Data

Distance:	9 Miles
Time:	1:17:05
Heart Rate:	151
Pace:	8:33
Weather:	Clear Temperature-48° Humidity-93%
Route:	The usual 8.5 Miler + .5 Mile add on

10/27/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I put the iPod on shuffle to let the music run and headed out. I had to estimate the time and lost the heart rate as the Polar heart rate monitor I have been using for several years totally reset all of its values when I hit the stop button. OK, this was its last straw. It has been replaced thanks to a gift card from 6 of my friends for Academy Sports. I now have a Nike, Triax C8. I will find out today if I like it. I do like that I was able to create a custom, "My View" for the watch when I am running. Data Distance: 3 Miles Time: 27:30 (estimate) Pace: 9:09 Weather: Clear Temperature-44° Humidity-89%

10/26/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to Phedippidations during this morning run. Steve, host of Phedippidations, just broke his marathon PR with a time of 4:12:55. That is a great accomplishment. I hope I see similar results at the Mercedes in February. I had to estimate the time and lost the heart rate as the Polar heart rate monitor I have been using for several years did not respect my push of the stop button.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	47:30 (estimate)
Pace:	9:30
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-52° Humidity-88%

10/24/07: 8 Mile Run: Neighborhood

This was another evening run in a light rain. I listened to the Daily Source Code during which Adam Curry interviewed Ron Paul (republican candidate for president). It was a interesting interview. Ron sure seems like a straight forward and honest person. I don't think I am won over as far as thinking he should be president, but he definitely seems removed from the usual smooth and seemingly rehearsed, less than genuine politician we so often see. His positions were well reasoned and articulately stated. Although, I think he views our position in the world in a more isolationist mode than I. But, we do need to be much less of the world's police and support infrastructure than we are today. So, I am not endorsing Ron, per se. But, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview and Adam is endorsing him.

Data

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:11:50
Pace:	8:58
Weather:	Clear Temperature-52° Humidity-92%

10/23/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I ran in the evening instead of the morning. I listened to the Daily Source Code for the first part of the run and finished off with Adam and The Ants "Dirk Wears White Socks" which I ripped from vinyl.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	46:08
Pace:	9:13
Weather:	Light rain Temperature-60° Humidity-83%

10/21/07: 11 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Greenway

Still no Judy; I guess she has better things on her mind. I went to see Alice Cooper last night and didn't get to bed until late, but that didn't stop me from getting out there this morning. I was only about 15 minutes late. Despite running 8 miles yesterday, I still had a strong run. I listened to Phedippidations. Most of the show was just good ol' congratulations and running stories from the Worldwide Half Marathon, but Steve closed the show with a passionate rant about the Chicago Marathon's reported water shortages. I don't know enough to say one way or the other, but it does sound as if Steve has some good points and they are made with feeling.

Data

Distance:	11 Miles
Time:	1:42:36
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:19
Weather:	Clear Temperature-50° Humidity-80%
Route:	10.5 Mile Loop + .5 Mile Add-On

10/20/07: 8 Miles: Neighborhood

I missed my planned run on Friday. I overslept and thought I would crank it in before I started driving home from Columbia, SC. About 1:00 pm, my manager came by the cube I was using and asked what I was doing there instead of hitting the road and doing my meetings on the cell phone. I contemplated it for 45 seconds and decided he was right. So, I skipped the run, shutdown the computer, and hit the road.

So, I combined yesterday's planned 5 miles with today's 3 miles and ran 8. It was a good run, but I overslept again and missed my muscle works class. I am glad I am flexible. I decided running was more important than the muscle works class and hit the pavement. I put the iPod on shuffle and enjoyed the tunes. The weather was perfect. I do so wish, the temperature could stay like this all the time. I forgot to note in my last entry that I noticed a completely different smell in the air than I normally notice while running. It smelled like fall. Could it be that I was noticing the increased CO2 in the air as the leaves continue dieing and falling. Or, maybe it is the decay of the leaves themselves. Anyway, it was interesting and kind of relaxing.

Data

Distance:	8 Miles
Time:	1:11:50
Pace:	8:58
Weather:	Clear Temperature-52° Humidity-92%

10/18/07: 7 Mile Run: Blythewood, SC

I ran in the evening while listening to the Daily Source Code. It was a good run, but it seemed to go on forever. I failed to get up early this morning and just couldn't let the day go by without getting in my run.

Data

Distance:	7 Miles
Time:	1:06:53
Pace:	9:33
Weather:	Clear Temperature-83° Humidity-54%

10/16/07: 6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I ran in the late morning after failing to hydrate enough. And, I could tell. But, I hung in there and finished. I did run 1 more lap than I had planned because I lost count. I m glad I got the run in today though instead of delaying until tomorrow like I originally thought I would. Listened to Adam Curry praise Ron Paul on the Daily Source Code. Amongst other reasons, Adam likes Ron's bias towards returning to a more pure and conservative approach to government. In general, I agree with the approach, but I believe we have to accept that times have changed. One of the best things the founding fathers did was design a legislating system that embracing change. Unlike Adam I don't think the 2nd Amendment could serve its original purpose any more. Well, unless I can afford some stealth bombers, tanks, bazookas, and other ordinance. Otherwise, we common citizens would be able to little more than be nuisances to the government.

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	56:29
Heart Rate:	157
Pace:	9:24
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-75° Humidity-73%

10/14/07: 13.1 Miles: Phedippidations Worldwide 1/2 marathon -2, Bob-50

I ran the 2^nd Annual Phedippidations World-Wide Half Marathon Challenge. You couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was perfect for running. I love running in temperatures in the low 50's. OK, I copied that from last year's entry, but it was true today too. I did run faster that last year's time of 2:11:41. And, since this was my fiftieth birthday, I am especially pleased. I saw lots of other runners but ran alone. I did listen to the the Cheers from the World episode of Pheppidations. Thanks Steve and the other organizers for making this happen!

I started the run listening to the Daily Source Code and completed it finishing up the latest Accident Hash. I had a great lunch with Edd, Kaye, Tim, Faye, Danny, Judy, Byrd, John (Rish), Dave, Lisa, Hannah, John (Evans), and Betsy. I got a lot of very cool gifts (especially this 24 inch flat screen monitor! Between this weekend and last, I am reminded about just how blessed I am to have such good friends and family. I love them all. They my 1/2 century celebration wonderful.

I get the feeling listening to Steve indicate what all we should log after a run and I feel a bit inadequate. I think a lot while I run, but seem to run out of words when it comes time to log. I didn't get all philosophical, but I did think about work a fair amount. I also thought about how much I appreciate my friends. For a brief moment, I thought how appropriate it was that on my 50th birthday, I started the day doing something rewarding and difficult all by myself. I came, I saw, I ran.

Data

Distance:	13.1 Miles
Time:	2:02:59
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:23
Weather:	Clear Temperature-55° Humidity-77%
Route	Brownell-Montclair Loop

10/02-10/13:Still Running and Life is Still Nuts

OK, Life is still NUTS. I am glad that I got all of my runs in, but blogging just ain't been happening. I did make it to Fripp Island for our yearly celebration with friends which includes celebrating my birthday. Early, true, but fun none the less. I took first place in the 5K. That's right, first place in the race. I didn't know how to break the tape (it was thick plastic; it was not going to break). I didn't know what I was supposed to do. Should I run hard through it, put on just a little pressure, and fly through. I ended up simply stopping after the race directors said "stop you are going to hurt yourself".

The rest of the weekend continued to be a blast and it was incredible fun to be with friends while they provided festivities and best wishes for my 50th year on the planet. They sang to me during the Trolley Pub Crawl. Other people passed on the word and groups just started songs too. One friendly fellow made me drink a shot of Jack Daniels from his bottle. It was lots of fun. I stayed in control and still managed to get my 10.5 mile run in the the next day.

I have listened several Daily Source Codes, Accident Hashes, and Phedippidations. They are still my favorite podcasts and keep me company during my runs. Tomorrow is the Phedippidations Worldwide Half-Marathon and I will be running it. Judy will not be joining me. She is still pacing around the southeast with her new boyfriend. I am so pleased for her despite missing her companionship during my Sunday long runs. I hope I can get control of my schedule to do a better job of logging my runs and thoughts daily. It is too difficult to cover so much time in one burst and really do any justice to what's in my head, not that I am that verbose in general anyway.

Data

10/02/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:49
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:16
Weather:	Clear Temperature-63° Humidity-70%

10/04/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	47:15
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	9:26
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-73° Humidity-90%

10/05/07: Lake Wateree, SC

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	26:41
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	8:53
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-73° Humidity-90%

10/06/07: Fripp Island, SC

Distance:	3.1 Miles
Time:	24:05
Pace:	7:46
Weather:	Overcast Temperature-73° Humidity-100%

10/07/07: Fripp Island, SC

Distance:	10.43 Miles
Time:	1:39:58
Pace:	9:35
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-73° Humidity-100%

10/09/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	48:37
Pace:	9:32
Heart Rate:	144
Weather:	Clear Temperature-71° Humidity-87%

10/10/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	7.017 Miles
Time:	1:07:39
Pace:	9:38
Weather:	Clear Temperature-58° Humidity-93%

10/12/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	4.5 Miles (estimated, ran last part with Prince)
Time:	42:25
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:25
Weather:	Clear Temperature-51° Humidity-74%

10/13/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:35
Heart Rate:	145
Pace:	9:11
Weather:	Clear Temperature-50° Humidity-83%

09/30/07: 12 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Greenway

Another run alone. Judy is at the beach. I listened to the latest Daily Source Code and Phedippidations shows. Adam needs to get off of this "red pill" and "blue pill" thing. It was cool and entertaining, but it is getting tired. Further, it seems to perpetuate the same old polarizing viewpoints that are every where. Republican vs Democrat, Muslim vs Christian, Black vs White, etc. The world is far more complicated than that. The truth or best action is not located at the one of a pole, but somewhere end between the two poles. Presuming, of course, that we have even managed to look at the right dimension of a problem's source. Go for the purple pill!

Data

Distance:	12 Miles
Time:	1:52:14
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:14
Weather:	Clear Temperature-66° Humidity-51%
Route:	The usual 10.5 Miler + 1.5 Miler

09/18-29/07: Running, Not Blogging: Work Took Over Life

OK, Life has been NUTS. I am glad that I got all of my runs in, but blogging just ain't been happening. I have managed to let work just take over all of life. I have had a lot going on and I need to figure out how to manage it better. I have been either preparing for, managing, or attending sessions at a conference we host. I managed 1 track and co-championed another. Add to that the building of an estimate that is proving more difficult than expected, and I have just been crumbling under the pressure. Oh, and my work laptop died while at the conference.

I have had a problem with this particular laptop's ability to maintain a lit LCD for a long time. Normally, a little tap or movement of the screen and a power monitor on and off reset and it comes back to life. Well, with everything going on and my working endlessly, my prompting for the return of the monitor grew more aggressive. We have to have roommates at this conference to enable more of us to go. Well, I am sure my roommate thinks I am nuts. He said it was no wonder my laptop died implying that I killed it. He might be right.

I did manage to calm myself by the end of the week and I need to search my soul a bit more to regain balance. I need (and will!) to take charge of my life and my work again. All things in balance and I have been letting work just consume me. In fact, one of my friends at the conference said that he was worried about me because he saw me in the hall and thought I looked "consumed and tired". I probably did try to do too much. I didn't relax at all until Thursday night. What really sucks is that since I work remote, I get less time to spend with folks in my company on a face-to-face basis than those in the office and this conference did not afford any opportunities to significantly enhance that. In other words, despite that fact that I was in the same place as many of my colleagues, I saw them little.

I am confident that I will regain balance. Sometimes, you just have to dig in and get stuff done and that's all there is to it. I need to handle it better. But, it is behind me and I need to just keep running forward. I didn't let my running fall behind.

Data

09/18/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	47:23
Heart Rate:	145
Pace:	9:28
Weather:	Clear Temperature-64° Humidity-70%

09/21/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:44
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	9:14
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-71° Humidity-79%

09/22/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	2 Miles
Time:	17:33
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	8:42
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-73° Humidity-90%

09/23/07: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

	7.7 Miles
Time:	1:13:00
Pace:	9:28
Weather:	Few clouds Temperature-85° Humidity-72%

09/25/07: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Distance:	3.7 Miles
Time:	31:09
Pace:	8:29
Weather:	Clear Temperature-75° Humidity-79%

09/27/07: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Distance:	7.85 Miles
Time:	1:14:51
Pace:	9:32
Weather:	Clear Temperature-74° Humidity-87%

09/28/07: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:18
Pace:	8:57
Weather:	Clear Temperature-77° Humidity-87%

09/29/07: Neighborhood

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:47
Heart Rate:	143
Pace:	9:15
Weather:	Clear Temperature-66° Humidity-42%

09/16/07: 12 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Greenway

I ran alone on this nice, brisk morning. I put the iPod on shuffle and along I went. This is the first day of 2008 Mercedes Marathon training for me and the longest run I have done since the last Mercedes Marathon. I did fine. But, I did have a little knee irritation at the beginning (inside of the first 3 miles). The discomfort did subside. Overall, the run felt great and I completed it with no difficulty.

I am a bit disturbed by the reactions to General Petraeus's presentation to Congress and the nation. We Americans have to feel responsible for the mess in Iraq right now. Not to mention that if we abandon the country there is surely a bloodbath (as in one that is worse that the current and recent ones) coming. The extremists will be emboldened and they will have a field day. Add that to the sectarian strife and it will simply be horrible. We have to do everything possible to stabilize the country including routing out the extremists and local killers before we leave. To do otherwise is shameful and cowardly in my opinion. We made the mess; we have to clean it up.

And what about the rumors about the McCann's (the family with the missing daughter, Madeleine)! I would put a link, but really I can't find anything substantial looking. The rumor is that they were swingers and they would sedate the children while they were swinging. The hypothesis is that Madeleine had a reaction or something and the parents are executing a cover up. I sure hope that's not true. Surely, they would have had enough sense to get a sitter. Not to mention they would know better than most of the risks with sedating anyone especially children.

Data

Distance:	12 Miles
Time:	1:53:45
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:28
Weather:	Clear Temperature-58° Humidity-78%
Route:	The usual 10.5 Miler + 1.5 Miler

09/12/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the lastest Daily Source Code and the rest of the latest Accident Hash during this morning run. iTunes struck again. The last time I sync'd, I right clicked on my channel node in iTunes, right-clicked, and selected "Update Podcast". I swear I got the visual cue indicating nothing to update. I clicked on the red "X" indicating that I wished to close iTunes. I switched the input focus to some other window since iTunes takes forever to do anything. Sometime later, I saw some notice blinking on my system bar. It was iTunes telling me that it was in the middle of downloading and asked something like "Continue...or...". I am sure I selected the option indicating I wanted the download to finish. Well, it didn't.

The show enumerated the various reasons why terrorist hijackers weren't the reason the World Trade Center buildings collapsed. I have to say I don't buy the explanations that suggested conspiracy of our own doing (our own as in some US government planned job or something). Adam referenced a video that you may want to check out to form your own opionion. In fact, it seems interesting that on one hand Adam claims that the CIA and such are such colossal boobs, but we have some organization that could demolish the World Trade Center live on TV and blame on someone else who happily takes the blame. Give me a break! The extremists are real and they really did and want to kill us. It is that freaking simple. I would agree that the path that leads to why they want to kill us is less simple.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	48:19
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:39
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-68° Humidity-93%

09/11/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the lastest Daily Source Code during this morning run. The days are definitely shorter and I am getting reacquainted with running in the dark, yuk. It is peaceful though.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:52
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	9:17
Weather:	Clear Temperature-75° Humidity-82%